Castro Valley Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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California is one of several states with the highest number of registered motorcycles. With over 952,000 motorcycles registered in the Golden State, according to 2021 data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it is safe to say that many California residents ride motorcycles. While motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of the open road, many risks are involved when careless or reckless drivers are on the roadway. In the blink of an eye, the negligence of another motorist or entity may turn a motorcycle ride into a devastating accident.

Bikers who have suffered injuries or families who have lost loved ones in crashes may be entitled to financial recovery for their damages, and our Castro Valley motorcycle accident attorneys can help. Contact our law office for free, friendly case advice at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, our legal team has the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to advocate for injured parties and decedents' families. Fear of being able to cover accident-related losses should not stand in the way of recovery after a crash. We work diligently to ensure our clients receive the justice and full compensation they deserve after a car versus motorcycle collision. Contact our law office to discuss your Castro Valley motorcycle accident case in a free consultation with one of our skilled and compassionate attorneys.

Common Injuries in Car Versus Motorcycle Wrecks

Motorcyclists are susceptible to serious injury in a crash with a car. Unlike motor vehicle occupants, bikers have little to no physical protection to keep them out of harm's way from the impact of cars, fixed objects, and contact with the pavement. Motorcycle riders do not benefit from the protections that motor vehicle occupants enjoy, including airbags, seatbelts, and other auto safety features. Common vehicle versus motorcycle crash injuries may include road rash, internal trauma, broken bones, TBIs, and spinal cord injuries.

In some cases, a motorcycle collision may leave a biker with a permanent physical impairment. When this occurs, it may interfere with an individual's ability to earn a living and engage in activities of daily living. Moreover, permanent injury or disability may have many financial and emotional implications. If injuries from a crash have caused mounting medical bills and wage loss, consult with an experienced Castro Valley motorcycle accident attorney regarding your options for recovery. You may have several available to you in your personal injury case.

Types of Recoverable Losses in a Motorcycle Crash Injury Case

Motorists and entities whose negligence or carelessness led to crashes that caused bodily injury may be held liable through claims for damages. Financial compensation in a personal injury claim may be available to assist an injured party with losses associated with the incident. This may include non-economic and economic damages, such as pain and suffering, wage loss, and medical bills. An injured party may protect their right to maximum compensation and get their life back on track by working with a skilled California motorcycle accident attorney serving Castro Valley.

Can Survivors Seek Damages in a Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident Case?

Surviving family members may be entitled to financial recovery when a close relative has sustained fatal injuries in a car versus a motorcycle collision caused by a careless or negligent motorist. Filing a claim for wrongful death may be challenging while coping with loss and grief. However, a California wrongful death lawyer can guide survivors through the process and work tirelessly to help them obtain full compensation for their losses. Eligible claimants may be reimbursed for mental anguish, loss of companionship, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and other relevant damages.

Evidence Needed to Prove a Claim for a Motorcycle Crash

Documentation and evidence are necessary to support a claim for personal injury after a car versus motorcycle collision. Evidence must be gathered and preserved immediately before it disappears. Some of the evidence that an injury attorney can use to build a strong and compelling case for financial recovery include:

  • Video surveillance footage of the crash site
  • Statements from eyewitnesses to the collision
  • Photos of property damage and visible injuries
  • Expert witness testimony to establish causation and damages
  • Paycheck stubs before and after the incident to prove wage loss
  • Traffic incident reports by the California Highway Patrol or another law enforcement agency
  • Medical records and summaries documenting the severity of injuries from a motorcycle crash
  • Statements and testimony from close relatives that support a claim for mental anguish or pain and suffering

Evidence and documentation relevant to a car versus motorcycle collision may disappear over time. Retaining legal counsel immediately may help ensure that evidence is preserved and start the process of building a solid case for maximum financial compensation. Learn about our legal team at AutoAccident.com and our services in this video.

Is There Enough Insurance for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

California requires all motorists to carry liability coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury to one individual, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage. Since vehicle versus motorcycle crashes often cause catastrophic injuries to bikers, state minimum liability coverage limits may not be enough to cover all a claimant's losses. That is why motorcycle riders need to consider carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for peace of mind. At AutoAccident.com, we recommend carrying as much UM/UIM as you can afford, typically $100,000/$300,000.

Castro Valley Motorcycle Accident FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident in California?

Do not delay retaining legal counsel if you were injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else's negligence. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, most personal injury and wrongful death cases are subject to a deadline of two years. If the case is not settled with the insurance carrier, a lawsuit must be filed in civil court. An experienced attorney can ensure that all filing deadlines and criteria are met in your case.

How can an attorney help with a vehicle versus motorcycle crash case?

Some ways a lawyer can help after a Castro Valley motorcycle accident include protecting your rights, identifying all potentially negligent parties, determining the value of a case, filing a claim, and advocating for you in insurance settlement negotiations. If the insurer refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, your attorney can file a lawsuit in civil court and move forward with litigation. Our lawyers at AutoAccident.com offer free consultations and work on contingency.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Castro Valley

You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, wage loss, and other damages if you were injured as a biker in a traffic collision. To fully understand your rights and options for financial recovery under California law, consult a skilled Castro Valley motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact our team of injury attorneys at AutoAccident.com to schedule your free consultation today at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400. We can review your case in detail and provide free, friendly advice.

Photo Credit: By “SplitShire” via Pixabay

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